Chicago, July 20, 2022 —Beginning in 2016, Metropolitan Fire Protection (MFP) was part of what is widely considered the largest historical redevelopment project in the United States—the reinvention of Chicago’s iconic Old Main Post Office. Working with the general contractor, BEAR Construction Co, on the project, MFP served as the design-build contractor for demolition, planning, and installation of an updated and fully compliant fire protection system at the site.
Completed in 2019, the massive redevelopment effort transformed the 2.8 million-square-foot building from an historic but unused Windy City landmark into a sought-after business address for a variety of global brands and emerging enterprises. To prepare spaces in the building for leasing, a dedicated 12-member team of MFP project engineers and sprinkler fitters led by George Shaw, the company’s current director of operations, installed new fire safety systems throughout the full interior shell of the structure as well as in finished common areas and shared public spaces, including a 10,000-square-foot conference center, fitness complex, food hall, and multi-acre rooftop park.
“The Old Main Post Office presented unique challenges above and beyond its sheer size,” said Shaw. “In addition to designing, fabricating, and installing all the components of the new fire sprinkler and standpipe systems, we installed seven deluge systems to protect the giant fans handling exhaust from the train tracks that run below the building to Union Station. Whatever it takes, we figure out a way to make it work. And we are very proud to have contributed to such a high-profile project in Chicago.”